This British Standard specifies requirements and test methods for the construction and performanceof cables which:• have thermosetting insulation and a rated voltage of 300/500 V;• provide resistance to fire (circuit integrity), including with mechanical shock and with water, asmeasured by performance in a standard test or tests;• emit limited amounts of smoke and corrosive gases when burned as measured by a standard test; and• are primarily intended for use in emergency lighting, fire detection and fire alarm system circuits.

The circuit integrity performance under fire conditions is assessed on the basis of tests which measure resistance to fire with mechanical impact and water spray (Categories: Standard 30, Standard 60 and Enhanced 120).

NOTE 1 BS 5266-1 and BS 5839-1 give recommendations and guidance on the factors to be taken into account in the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of emergency lighting, fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings, respectively.

It is applicable to 2-core, 3-core and 4-core circular cables with an uninsulated full-size circuitprotective conductor (CPC), and 7-core, 12-core and 19-core circular multicore auxiliary cables withan uninsulated drain wire of not less than 0.5 mm². All cables contain a metallic layer, which provides electrostatic screening.

The cables are suitable for operation at a maximum sustained conductor temperature of 70 °C and fora maximum short-circuit conductor temperature of 250 °C (for a maximum period of 5 s).

NOTE 2 Annex A gives recommendations for the selection, installation and operation of cables, Annex B gives the method of test for continuity of tinned coating of wires, Annex C gives the method of test for voltage withstand, Annex D gives the method of test for bending characteristics, Annex E gives the method of test for resistance to impact, Annex F gives the method of test for shrinkage of sheath and Annex G gives notes on type tests.Cross References:BS EN 50395BS EN 60811-502BS EN 60811-506BS 7655-1.2 BS EN 62230BS 7655-6.1BS EN 50363-1BS 7671BS EN 61034-2BS EN 50363-5BS EN 50396BS EN 60754-1BS EN 50200 BS 8434-2BS EN 60228BS EN 61034-1IEC 60050-461BS EN 60332-1-2:2004BS 5266-1BS 8519BS EN ISO/IEC 17025BS 6387 Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002BS 5839-1BS EN 60079-14Incorporates the following:Amendment, June 2019